Nancy Taylor: Greene Publishing, Inc.
Local church members are invited to attend an informational meeting regarding the Disaster Response Ministry of the Florida Baptist Convention on Saturday, May 20, from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. This meeting will be held in Live Oak at the First Baptist Church, located at 401 W Howard St.
This meeting will include information from the emergency managers of the North Florida region, as well as the disaster relief regional coordinator and other volunteers. Key leaders will be introduced, and updated information contained in the disaster response plans will be distributed.
First-time volunteers will participate in a new volunteer class that is designed to prepare volunteers to be able to respond effectively with ministry. Information will be shared to help answer the questions that all new volunteers typically have. First-timers will also be able to choose ministry-area classes for specialized training. The registration fee for first-time volunteers is $25.
This fee covers lunch, training materials, an ID badge, t-shirt, hat and pin.
Returning volunteers have several options. During the morning, you may choose to receive additional training in your primary ministry area in a specialized class. After lunch, you may choose to attend another ministry area class to receive training in another specialty area, thus expanding your ability to minister.
Training sessions are provided in the following ministry areas: mass feeding, cleanup and recovery, administration, temporary childcare services, emergency response team, logistics and spiritual care.
The cost for returning volunteers is $15 and covers lunch and training materials. Returning volunteers wishing to purchase a new t-shirt must pay an additional $10.
Returning volunteers with an ID badge that has expired must attend the new volunteer class again in order to receive a new badge. Badges expire every three years.
New volunteers and returning volunteers whose badge has expired must complete a background check. The cost for the background check is additional.
All interested individuals are encouraged to join this meeting not only to receive information, but also meet like-minded individuals from fellow churches.
There is no pre-registration for the training; registration will take place the morning of the event.